Netanyahu to be indicted on corruption charges, pending hearing

Israel’s attorney general says he intends to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption investigations.

Avichai Mandelblit announced the decision in a statement on Thursday.

The indictment would be handed over pending a hearing, in which Netanyahu will have a chance to refute the charges before they are formally laid.

In Case 1000, Netanyahu is suspected of receiving gifts from businessmen overseas. He is also being investigated in Case 2000 for a media bribery scheme to help Yediot Aharonot newspaper against its competitor Yisrael Hayom in return for favorable coverage. Case 3000 surrounds Israel's $2-billion purchase of Dolphin-class nuclear-arms-capable submarines from German shipbuilding company ThyssenKrupp.

Netanyahu, who always denies engaging in any corrupt practices, has said he is convinced that the three cases against him will yield “nothing.”

In January, he said he would not step down even if the attorney general sought to indict him for corruption.

The Israeli prime minister is not required to step down if indicted but he would have no option than to resign if he is convicted with all appeals exhausted.

Netanyahu has been prime minister for a total of around 13 years.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who has portrayed himself as Netanyahu’s supporter by repeatedly recommending him as the regime’s next prime minister, has endorsed him again.

"I can say this, he's done a great job as prime minister," Trump said earlier on Thursday.

Mandelblit’s announcement, however, compromises Netanyahu’s chances of winning another term in April 9 early elections, in which he is facing a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance headed by Benny Gantz, a former military chief of staff.

"Put an end to the nation's shame," Labor party leader Avi Gabbay said, reacting to the announcement, adding, "Don't wage the battle from the prime minister's residence."